Where does being a father begin? In the bedroom or in the heart? Being a father involves so much more then a brief encounter under the sheets! We're all adults here aren't we? Then I can do all of us a great favor by getting to the point. There is one point I want to make about being a father, it takes real love. Not temporal love, but eternal love, one that will surpass all things that would try to come between the father and his children. No matter what, a true father loves his children, provides for them fired by this love, not by greed or status. A true father will teach his children right from wrong, hoping that it will stick with them and if it does great, but if somewhere later down the road of life, if it doesn't then what? A real father steps up to the challenge, opens his arms, hugs his child, and begins the journey of repair, taking each step carefully guided by his love for the child, encouraging and uplifting, not tearing down a child with harsh accusations or words of anger. Colossians 3:21 - Fathers, provoke not your children [to anger], lest they be discouraged.
A true father will endure, will not quit when things get tough. A real father will give his children something to believe in. Something to hold onto when the winds of doubt are blowing all around them. Teaching them that all important lesson, faith is stronger then fear. Teaching them that God is the Father of all there is and ever will be. Teaching them that the love of God is the same love he has for them. Then living before them, the life of example, for this is the test of a real father, to show his children, how to live, love and create a home of safety and security for all who are born into it.
So, I leave you with this prayer, " Our most precious Heavenly Father, I come before you as your humbled child, seeking the wisdom to raise my children in your ways and your commands. Asking you for your continued guidance, continued Mercy and Grace to help me raise them as good Godly children, giving them something that will root them in their lives in a good sense. And when things get so bad, I pray that your strength will support me, your love will fuel me and your power will cover me to make the right decisions when I have to make them. In Jesus' name I offer this prayer, amen."
